Stokes commits to Durham on three-year deal

LONDON: Ben Stokes has committed to Durham on a three-year contract extension, which will keep him at the club until 2021.

Stokes, 27, has been an infrequent presence in the Durham team in recent years, with his busy international schedule limiting him to just two Championship fixtures and a handful of T20 Blast outings since 2016.

Nevertheless, he began his career at the club in 2009 and remains a proud symbol of the talent that the club has brought through its youth system in the 27 years since it attained first-class status.

"I love playing for Durham and am delighted to be signing a new long-term deal where I learnt my trade," Stokes said. "I'm very passionate about helping Durham compete at the top level and, if I am given any opportunities to play this season, I will give everything to the club.

"It's an exciting time at Durham, especially with the rebrand of the club this winter and having a new coach, chief executive and sporting director in charge." Stokes, who has played 52 Tests and 79 ODIs in his international career to date, will be a key figure in England's quest to win both the World Cup and the Ashes in the course of the coming season.

He is currently in India, playing for Rajasthan Royals in the IPL. "Ben is a shining example of what our young players can achieve with hard work and dedication to go alongside talent," Durham chief executive Tim Bostock said. "He is now in the prime of his career and, while we may not see him as much as we would like over the next year, his influence remains huge around the club."